SSeven years after his death, Charles Manson, one of the worst serial killers of the 20th century, returns to the news with Doing Mansona documentary available from November 19th on the Peacock platform. This three-part series highlights previously unreleased recordings in which Manson confesses to his involvement in murders that were never attributed to him, reports The Guardian.
In calls made from his cell phone, Manson confided details of the crimes to a friend. “There’s a whole part of my life that no one knows about,” he says, before describing how he allegedly stabbed a man to death and participated in murders in Mexico in the 1960s. He fondly remembers the freezing cold of Acapulco, the car thefts and abandoned corpses.
The swastika guru goes even further in his revelations, openly boasting of his thirst for murder. “I would kill anyone I could. I would kill you all if I had the chance,” he says, adding with shocking arrogance: “If a guy looks at me funny, I’ll shoot him. »
Charles Manson, from assassin to guru
The series Doing Manson It also explores the early life of Charles Manson, long before he became the guru of a cult. Former disciples and relatives testify to the psychological manipulation he practiced, as well as the blind devotion of his supporters, who believed in his extreme ideologies.
READ ALSO Serial killers: why some women are crazy about themThe documentary also sheds light on Manson’s apocalyptic ideology. Obsessed with the idea of provoking a racial war between blacks and whites, he sought to sow chaos, convinced that this war would trigger the advent of his own domination.
Manson’s story is inseparable from the horrific murders committed by his followers in 1969, under his influence. The most famous victim remains the actress Sharon Tate, eight months pregnant and wife of the director Roman Polanski, murdered in a barbaric way together with four other people. Charles Manson, while not directly killing the victims, had orchestrated the murders, making him one of the most feared and fascinating criminals in American criminal history.
Charles Manson died in 2017, at the age of 83, after being in prison for almost fifty years. Despite being sentenced to the death penalty, later commuted to life imprisonment, the impact of his criminal influence continues to haunt the collective memory.
What implications does the documentary Doing Manson have for our understanding of Manson’s criminal legacy?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Crime Expert Dr. Sarah Jensen
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Jensen. It’s great to have you here to discuss the resurfacing of Charles Manson in the media with the release of the new documentary Doing Manson. Many people may have thought that Manson, seven years after his death, would fade into obscurity. What is your initial reaction to these revelations from the documentary?
Dr. Sarah Jensen: Thank you for having me. I think it’s rather chilling but not entirely surprising. Manson’s story has fascinated both the public and scholars alike for decades. His charisma and the horrific nature of his crimes continue to draw attention. The forthcoming documentary, which showcases previously unreleased recordings, reveals that there’s still much to uncover about his life and the extent of his criminal activities.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. The documentary presents Manson in a rather shocking light, particularly since he’s recounting details of murders he was never charged for. How does this change the public’s understanding of him as a figure in criminal history?
Dr. Sarah Jensen: It certainly complicates the narrative. Manson is often viewed solely through the lens of the Tate-LaBianca murders, which overshadowed other potential crimes he might have committed. Hearing him openly confess to additional murders provides a deeper, more disturbing insight into his psyche. It challenges us to think about the true extent of his impact beyond what we previously understood.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned Manson’s psyche. In the recordings, he talks about a “thirst for murder” and reminisces about specific crimes with a bizarre fondness. What does this reveal about his mental state?
Dr. Sarah Jensen: Manson’s language reflects a clear lack of remorse and an almost delusional sense of grandeur. This kind of bravado is often found in individuals with antisocial personality disorders. His proud recounting of violence suggests he derived pleasure from it, which speaks to deeper psychopathological issues. It’s a frightening perspective that illustrates the danger of his charisma and influence over others.
Time.news Editor: The documentary will be available on Peacock next week. Given the renewed focus on Manson and the notoriety surrounding him, do you think this could lead to a resurgence of interest in similar crime stories?
Dr. Sarah Jensen: I wouldn’t be surprised. True crime has become an incredibly popular genre, fueled by podcasts and documentaries. Manson’s story has all the elements that captivate audiences: a charismatic leader, a cult, shocking crimes, and a larger societal context. While it is crucial to remember the victims, the continued fascination can sometimes lead to the glorification of figures like Manson, which is concerning.
Time.news Editor: That’s a valid point. How should we, as a society, approach stories like Manson’s? Is there a way to engage with this narrative that respects the gravity of the crimes while also acknowledging public interest?
Dr. Sarah Jensen: It’s a delicate balance. Educating the public about the psychological and societal factors that lead to such heinous acts is essential. We should emphasize critical analysis rather than sensationalism. Documentaries like Doing Manson can serve as a tool for understanding, but they must be approached thoughtfully, considering the potential impact on victims’ families and society as a whole.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for your insights. As we prepare for the release of Doing Manson, it’s essential to reflect on how narratives of infamous figures affect our collective memory and understanding of crime.
Dr. Sarah Jensen: Absolutely. Thank you for having this important conversation.